Continual professional growth is crucial for any career, especially for those in IT. The 2024 State of IT Report by Spiceworks Ziff Davis reveals that 63% of hiring managers at the director level and above find it challenging to hire skilled IT professionals. table basse belvedere soigner tennis elbow naturellement cravatta fai da te amazon orologio chiusura a scatto porta fonendoscopio littmann crema per occhiaie nere amazon tuyau tireuse sedia viso puma suede pink satin north face zenith herren herren adidas derby vulc herren sneaker weiss blau rot maglione natale amazon dreirad toys amazon short eau teppich auslegware günstig online kaufen amazon
To elevate your career and step into higher-paying roles, it’s not just about acquiring new skills; you need to demonstrate them to potential employers. Professional certification is a tried-and-true method to achieve this.
Annually, Skillsoft, an online technology learning company, surveys IT professionals to understand their earned certifications and how these align with their salaries.
While some respondents may have multiple certifications, trends in the aggregate data highlight a few certifications that wield significant earning potential.
It’s worth noting some additional insights. Similar to the previous year, this year’s survey emphasizes high-paying certifications, particularly in the realm of cloud computing.
While last year favored Amazon Web Services (AWS), this year sees a shift towards Google Cloud. Notably, Microsoft Azure and Nutanix, present in the top rankings last year, are absent.
The most noteworthy outcome is the remarkable ascent of the first-place certification for this year.
Advantages of Getting an IT Certification
An IT certification is a way to set a standard for professionals in the information technology field through exams and ongoing education. Here are some perks of earning an IT certification:
1. Validation: Getting an IT certification allows potential employers to verify that you possess the necessary skills for specific job roles.
It’s not just for job seekers – current employees seeking career growth can also benefit by expanding their knowledge base through certification.
2. Marketability: Upon earning an IT certification, you instantly become more attractive to both your current employer and potential ones.
Enhanced technical skills can lead to better compensation and improved job roles within your existing company or make you stand out in the job market.
3. Career Development: In a constantly evolving technological landscape, earning an IT certification is a smart way to stay updated on the latest advancements.
It helps you expand your skill set, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the ever-changing IT industry. Certifications not only refresh existing skills but also expose you to new techniques, contributing to your overall career development.
1. Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification
Introduced in 2017, the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification is among the top-paying certifications in the industry.
It showcases your expertise in creating, building, and overseeing cloud-based architectures on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). To attain this certification, you’ll need to pass a 50-60-question exam.
Prerequisites: No specific requirements; however, it’s advisable to have a minimum of three years of industry experience and at least one year of experience in designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.
Cost: $200
2. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Achieving the PMP designation signifies to employers and clients that an individual possesses the skills to deliver high-quality services by efficiently designing and executing projects to a superior standard. This certification requires successfully passing a 180-question exam.
As per the PMP’s 2021 “Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey,” individuals holding the PMP certification in the U.S. enjoy a median salary that is 32% higher than their non-certified counterparts.
Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree, along with 36 months of project leadership experience and 35 hours of project management education, or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. OR
- High school diploma, along with 60 months of project leadership experience and 35 hours of project management education, or CAPM certification.
Cost: $405 for nonmembers; $575 for members
3. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification serves as an entry-level credential, highlighting your understanding of Agile Scrum and its methodologies.
With this certification, you’ll take on the role of guiding the Scrum team, instructing them on the framework, and inspiring optimal performance.
To obtain this certification, you must finish a multi-day course provided by ScrumAlliance and successfully pass a 50-question test.
Prerequisites: No specific prerequisites are required; completion of a multi-day training course is mandatory.
Cost: Starts at $400
4. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Attaining the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification showcases your proficiency in designing and implementing robust and secure systems using AWS technologies.
AWS offers various certification paths, and upon passing the 65-question exam for this certification, you can explore additional AWS specialty certifications that align closely with your career objectives.
Prerequisites: No specific prerequisites; however, it is advisable to have at least 1 year of experience with AWS technology and a basic understanding of programming concepts.
Cost: $150
5. CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA offers a range of IT certifications, including:
- CompTIA A+: Consists of two exams.
- CompTIA Cloud+: Requires one exam.
- CompTIA Security+: Involves one exam.
These certifications validate fundamental IT skills across various devices and operating systems. They cover the expertise needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot both wired and wireless services.
The Security+ credential specifically focuses on best practices in IT network and operational security.
Prerequisites:
- For A+: No specific prerequisites, but it’s recommended to have nine to 12 months of hands-on experience.
- For Cloud+: No specific prerequisites, but it’s recommended to have CompTIA Network+ and Server+ and two to three years of experience in systems administration or networking.
- For Security+: No specific prerequisites, but it’s recommended to have CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security.
Cost:
- A+: $246
- Cloud+: $358
- Security+: $392
7. ITIL 4 Foundation Level Certification
The ITIL 4 Foundation Level Certification is an introductory certification that offers candidates a comprehensive overview of the IT service lifecycle.
Its concepts are vendor-neutral, covering the processes, terminology, and methods employed in contemporary IT practices.
Accredited training organizations conduct ITIL training courses, and achieving certification involves passing a 40-question test.
Prerequisites: No specific prerequisites, but exam preparation is recommended.
Cost: Varies based on the training provider.
8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
In the current landscape of digital threats such as malware and identity theft, the importance of information security cannot be overstated.
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) designation stands out as a credential that advocates for the best security practices.
The 150-question exam covers four key job practice domains: information security governance, information security risk management, information security program, and incident management.
According to ISACA, completing this certification often results in a 42% increase in pay.
Prerequisites: Requires a minimum of five years of experience in information security management.
Cost: $760 for nonmembers; $575 for ISACA members.
9. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
ISACA’s CRISC certification is tailored for professionals specializing in risk management. Those holding CRISC certification play a vital role in helping organizations comprehend business risks and possess the technical expertise to establish, enhance, and oversee information systems controls.
The 150-question exam covers areas such as governance, IT risk assessment, risk response and reporting, and information technology and security.
According to ISACA, CRISC is recognized as the fourth highest-paying certification globally, with 52% of professionals experiencing on-the-job improvements after earning this certificate.
Prerequisites: Requires a minimum of three years of experience in IT risk management and IS control.
Cost: $760 for nonmembers; $575 for ISACA members.
10. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP, offered through (ISC)², stands as a highly esteemed and sought-after designation in the IT industry, often seen as a prerequisite for advanced information security roles.
The exam is structured around eight key segments of computer security, encompassing areas like security operations, risk and security management, communications and network security, software development, asset security, security architecture and engineering, identity and access management, and security assessment and testing.
If you lack sufficient work experience for this certification, you have the option to become an Associate of ISC2 while gaining the necessary professional experience.
Prerequisites: Requires a minimum of five years of work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP.
Cost: $749
Types of Jobs That Value IT Certifications
As you embark on your job search in the vast field of IT, it’s crucial to understand which roles specifically appreciate candidates with IT certifications. Here are a few examples:
Security Engineer
National Average Salary: $80,419 per year
Primary Duties: A security engineer shields companies’ networks and systems from data breaches. They craft and maintain data security plans and policies for employees to adhere to. Regularly monitoring and testing networks, they ensure resilience against cyber-attacks and minimize the impact of data loss. Security engineers may find preference in roles with CRISC or CISM certifications.
Systems Administrator
National Average Salary: $81,515 per year
Primary Duties: A systems administrator oversees a company’s computer system, handling tasks from setting up new accounts to monitoring server performance. They install and configure software and hardware, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the IT infrastructure’s security and efficiency.
Security Analyst
National Average Salary: $92,811 per year
Primary Duties: A security analyst safeguards a company’s computer network, defending against cyber-attacks and security threats. They contribute to establishing and maintaining security standards by installing software, documenting breaches, and investigating security incidents.
IT Project Manager
National Average Salary: $98,971 per year
Primary Duties: An IT project manager leads an organization’s IT department, overseeing planning, execution, and task delegation to ensure project success. They play a crucial role in coordinating team efforts.
IT Auditor
National Average Salary: $110,583 per year
Primary Duties: An IT auditor focuses on internal control procedures and potential risks in a company’s technology network. Collaborating effectively within a team, they communicate well and devise plans to prevent future security breaches.
I trust that this list provides valuable insights for shaping your IT career path. It’s essential to be aware that achieving these certifications involves taking and passing exams.
These certifications typically require renewal either every two years or according to the specific policies outlined by the certifying organization.
Staying informed about renewal requirements ensures that your certifications remain current and continue to contribute to your professional growth.
